LSCS to again host Texas Community Development Institute

Published on: January 11, 2010

Lone Star College System will play host once again to the Texas Community Development Institute during a week-long meeting March 1-5.

The five-day training session is designed for community officials, volunteers and employees who work with city/state/county governments, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, utility companies, and community social services.

According to Kay Fitzsimons, LSCS director for community leadership institute, more than 60 local community leaders will attend sessions at the LSCS Training Center in The Woodlands.

CDI was created to train community officials and volunteers in the techniques of modern leadership and management of community development efforts. Since the program's inception more than 1,000 community leaders from throughout the country, many from Texas, have participated in the program.

LSCS, one of the premier educational institutions in Texas, the Texas Economic Development Council, and the Community Development Council are supporting organizations of the Texas Community Development Institute. Entergy Texas is the major underwriter for the program. During the five day session more than 50 classes will be offered by 30 practitioners and instructors from across the United States, each well-known in their business and community development fields.

“We are delighted to once again host this group at Lone Star College System,” said Fitzsimons. “The partnership between TCDI and LSCS has proved meaningful and beneficial throughout the years for all involved.”

The comprehensive program curriculum is designed to meet the increasing challenges facing community developers in today's fast-paced society and is applicable for community leaders from towns and cities of all sizes. CDI approaches community development as both a process and a program. It seeks to:

• Develop an individual's ability to identify community problems • Set goals • Encourage liaison with outside agencies • Stimulate community interaction • Bring groups together to support competitive economic development, human resource development and quality of life issues.

"Attending the institute is an important step in continuing my knowledge and diversity as a chamber president,” said Reggie Gray, Houston Intercontinental Chamber of Commerce president.

“The diversity of the attendees and instructors gives insight to the many different levels and partners involved in community development. It has also proved to have been a great networking tool as my fellow attendees and I are still exchanging ideas and utilizing each other’s knowledge as tools to further our communities,” said Gray.

The early registration fee of $550 for 2010 Institute and $325 for Advance Year has been extended through Feb. 1 and covers instruction, student materials, two meals and refreshment breaks. Rates after the Feb. 1 deadline are $625 for 2010 Institute and $375 for Advanced Year. Lodging and outside meals are the responsibility of the participant. Enrollment is limited and prospective participants are encouraged to register as early as possible.

For more information contact Fitzsimons at 832-813-6623 or visit the CDI Web site at LoneStar.edu/cdi to register online and see additional information about the institute.

Lone Star College System consists of five colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, and LSC-Tomball, six centers, LSC-University Park, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. With more than 59,000 students in credit classes last fall, LSCS is the second largest and the fastest-growing community college system in Texas and the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.